Movie

The Great Debaters

Released: December 25, 2007 (2007)

Runtime: 126 minutes

Genres: Drama

The true story of a brilliant but politically radical debate team coach who uses the power of words to transform a group of underdog African-American college students into a historical powerhouse that took on the Harvard elite.

Main Cast (Top 10 billed, oldest first)

John Heard as Sheriff Dozier
Age at release: 61
Denzel Washington as Melvin B. Tolson
Age at release: 52
Forest Whitaker as Dr. James Farmer Sr.
Age at release: 46
Gina Ravera as Ruth Tolson
Age at release: 41
Kimberly Elise as Pearl Farmer
Age at release: 40
Nate Parker as Henry Lowe
Age at release: 28
Jermaine Williams as Hamilton Burgess
Age at release: 24
Jurnee Smollett as Samantha Booke
Age at release: 21
Denzel Whitaker as James Farmer Jr.
Age at release: 17
Devyn A. Tyler as Helen Farmer
Age at release: 16

Show more cast

Brian Smiar as Harvard Dean
Age at release: 70
Bonnie Johnson as Dr. Jennings
Age at release: 66
Damien Leake as Wilson
Age at release: 55
Ritchie Montgomery as Deputy
Age at release: 53
Michael Beasley as Trudell
Age at release: 39
Justice Leak as Harland Osbourne
Age at release: 28
Voltaire Sterling as Paul Quinn Debater #1
Age at release: 28
Donny Boaz as Oklahoma City College Debater #1
Age at release: 27
Robert X. Golphin as Dunbar Reed
Age at release: 25
Glen Powell as Harvard Debater #1
Age at release: 19
Trenton McClain Boyd as Nathaniel Farmer
Age at release: Unknown
Jackson Walker as Pig Owner
Age at release: Unknown
Tim Parati as Pig Farmer
Age at release: Unknown
Brad Watkins as Harvard Debater #2
Age at release: Unknown
Stephen Rider as Paul Quinn Debater #2
Age at release: Unknown
Gordon Danniels as Paul Quinn Debate Judge
Age at release: Unknown
Samuel Elliott Whisnant as Oklahoma City College Debater #2
Age at release: Unknown
Charissa Allen as Benita
Age at release: Unknown
Gary Mathis as Enormous Man
Age at release: Unknown
George Wilson as Samuel
Age at release: Unknown